"Mensa is protean: Its most visible feature is its diversity. It recruits, not like other societies by persuading people to think as they do, but by scientifically selecting people who are able to think for themselves. Yet, though there is little surface agreement between members, we find there is an underlying unity which gives an unexpected strength to the society. In a world which must increasingly make intelligent use of intelligent people, we feel that our potential is very great." — The Yellow Brochure*

Where did the unity and strength go? The simplest answer is that it died along with our equality as members. We "ordinary" members have become paying passengers on a locomotive headed no place in particular, one whose crew has no goal other than to round up more fare payers. "Just sit down and shut up; your destination is of no importance; we've chosen the itinerary, so don't make a big deal about where you want to go or we just might throw you off the train."

We, i.e., Going Forward readers and writers, don't see that things should stay this way, of course. That's why we've been shoved to the very back of the masses. It's sad that Going Forward has a need to exist. It shouldn't: We have rights too, you know. And the only way you get those rights is by asserting them yourself. So I present to you my suggestions for the Mensan's Bill of Rights.

It's our society: I. No officer may do anything to impede any member from making Mensa what he or she wishes it to be. Ever notice how many officers resign or decline to run for reelection because they can get absolutely nothing done? A Chairman, because the American Mensa Committee (AMC) was against him. A Gifted Children Coordinator (GCC), because the Chairman wouldn't even consider new proposals. Countless regional and local offices now have revolving doors. Imagine how the common, semi-active member feels. Be we makers, takers, or fakers, we should all have our place; the less padding distancing us and Mensa, the more we will be able to appreciate Mensa.

It's our money: II. Any change in dues or any new program with costs shall require membership approval. Sure, I love the upcoming changes to the American Mensa Web site, but only because I have access to a computer. Just how is this benefiting all our members? Why is there such a compulsion to expand to absorb revenue? If there's extra money lying around at the end of the year, give it back! As it is, I have to let a bill go past due every March in order to maintain my membership.

I'm sure that decreasing dues would make everyone happier and attract more members — but dues reduction has the very real "danger" of happening, if membership were to vote on it; and we can't have a silly thing like less Web site development affect our "growth," can we? What's more important to you — growth as an organization of people or growth in the number of flashing buttons to click? And, while I'm in rhetorical mode, if local groups are the heart and soul of Mensa, then why do only a few bucks of my dues go to mine? "Local Group Support: We actually give you back a token amount of your money to use!"

Free and open elections: III. All members have a right to run for office on an equal footing. I'm reminded of the Iron Law of Oligarchy: "In every organized activity, no matter the sphere, a small number will become the oligarchical leaders and the others will follow." If you're not already part of the system, it's impossible to get in without catering to the Nominating Committee (NomComm). This is my second term on the NomComm, and I still see it the same way. (One candidate I strongly supported was sniggered about, the very second she left the NomComm interview room at the Annual Gathering [AG]). By the time the NomComm results are in, it's discouraging to run by petition; your deadline for petitioning is brief, and your campaign time is limited compared to that of NomComm candidates. A petition-only system would abolish many candidates' perceived "second-class" status. The genuinely bad candidates simply wouldn't get elected. It works just fine in my local group; why not nationally?

Don't tread on us: IV. Special interest groups have the right to autonomy. Here come those dirty words: "Risk Management." Talk about scratching where there's no itch. In this case, we have a problem only because we think it's a problem. There is already a general recognition that Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are not subdivisions or subsidiaries of Mensa. They are independent organizations whose purpose is networking like-minded people. Mensa serves to help SIGs find people and people find SIGs; so why is AMC so concerned with all the details? If a coordinator wishes to keep his membership list rather than have the National Office maintain it, that's his prerogative. If he wants to attract non-members, then the more the merrier. It just might entice a few more active people into Mensa membership. (Once upon a time I ran such a SIG — TeenSIG.) The key to minimizing risk is distance — the more you meddle in the SIGs' affairs, the more liability you create.

We have equal rights: V. All members have an equal right to privacy. It's quite simple: If I don't want you to know, I don't have to tell you. Whether it's Geena Davis or Jean Becker or Ryan Marvin, they shouldn't have to either. Let's put some standards on it and quit bickering over something that's really a non-issue. Provide your name, address and whatever other information you wish to disclose to the National Office. If you want to keep something private, don't mention it; the organization has a responsibility to adhere to your wishes.

And so do those who disagree: VI. Any member facing a hearing shall have the courtesy of treatment adhering to both the letter and the spirit of the procedure guidelines. In a recent case of our railroading those with whom we disagree, the AMC voted to expel a member following the recommendation by a Hearing Committee, which had held its hearing over the phone (with no notice to the membership) after the "defendant" had already resigned his membership. Both conditions — a phone hearing and a "trial" of a non-member — violated the then current Bylaws and "Policies and Rules Governing The Conduct of Hearings." If the rules are irrelevant, then why would or should they exist at all? As Dan Wilterding, Region 6 Vice Chairman, said about the entire situation, "In a battle between emotion and logic, the logical cause hasn't a prayer." Yet the membership as a whole must have seen no problem with this, because the people responsible for this farce have yet to face any hearings, as provided in those very same rules. Oh, wait, that's right; the membership as a whole wasn't fully informed of this event or of its irregularity.

Ends don't justify means: VII. If a change in bylaws or actions is needed to validate an action already taken, said action shall be null and void. At its very next meeting after its hearings fiasco involving a resigned member became semi-public Mensa knowledge, the AMC promptly changed the rules for hearings, to make the actions already taken seem perfectly "legal." The new rules clearly conflicted with the Bylaws, so, of course, the Bylaws were amended as well. Accompanying the referendum ballot to do that was an area provided for arguments both in favor of and against the change; but only the "pro" argument was represented. As a child, I once stole a candy bar from a store and was escorted back inside to pay for it. Sure, in the end everything was amended: That didn't, and couldn't, make my stealing right.

We're tired of hearing, "It can't be done. It's too much liability." We're tired of hearing, "The budget doesn't allow it," when there's plenty of money spent keeping thinking beings out of office. We're embarrassed for us all every time someone says, "They'll just take care of you like they did Judy Dosse." We pay our dues; we should have concomitant rights. It's like that bumper sticker that was everywhere in the 70s and 80s: "America: Love it or leave it." Mensa is no different. I'm not too fond of some of the things going on, but I love Mensa nonetheless. I love it enough that I'm determined to stick around and fix it.

—Ryan Marvin

*The Yellow Brochure was American Mensa's primary recruitment tool during part of the 1970s and 1980s.

Ryan Marvin is the co-founder of TeenSIG, the first organized effort to bring younger Mensans into active participation in Mensa. A successful endeavor, TeenSIG endures today and draws many of our teens to the AG each year.